How To Make a 72 Hour Kit

Federal, State and local officials have counseled all to have food storage and be prepared for an emergency - which includes having a 72 hour kit. This kit should be put together in a practical manner so that you can carry it with you if you ever need to evacuate your home. It is also important to prepare one for each member of your family who is able to carry one.

You can Google 72hr kit and find many, many different ideas for your kit.  You can also purchase "standard" kits online and at local emergency preparedness outlets.

Below is a list of items to store in a 72 hour kit so a family can be prepared in case of an emergency.  You will want to modify it to fit your individual needs: 

Food and Water
(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)

·                        Protein/Granola Bars

·                        Trail Mix/Dried Fruit

·                        Crackers/Cereals (for munching)

·                        Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc

·                        MRE meals - "Meals Ready to Eat" can be purchased from local emergency stores

·                        Canned Juice

·                        Candy/Gum (warning: Jolly Ranchers can melt and using mint gum might make everything taste like mint.)

·                        Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)

Bedding and Clothing

·                        Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)

·                        Undergarments

·                        Rain Coat/Poncho

·                        Blankets and Emergency Heat Blanks (that keep in warmth)

·                        Cloth Sheet

·                        Plastic Sheet

Fuel and Light

·                        Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) Don't forget batteries!

·                        Extra Batteries

·                        Flares

·                        Candles

·                        Lighter

·                        Water-Proof Matches

Equipment

·                        Can Opener

·                        Dishes/Utensils

·                        Shovel

·                        Radio (with batteries!)

·                        Pen and Paper

·                        Axe

·                        Pocket Knife

·                        Rope

·                        Duct Tape

Personal Supplies and Medication

·                        First Aid Kit and Supplies

·                        Toiletries (roll of toilet paper- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc.)

·                        Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning: Scented soap might "flavor" food items.)

·                        Immunizations Up-to Date

·                        Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)

·                        Prescription Medication (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money
(Place these items in a water-proof container!)

·                        Scriptures

·                        Genealogy Records

·                        Patriarchal Blessing

·                        Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc)

·                        Vaccination Papers

·                        Insurance Policies

·                        Cash (small bills and coins)

·                        Credit Card

·                        Pre-Paid Phone Cards

Miscellaneous

·                        Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!

·                        Infant Needs (if applicable)

Notes:

1.               Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure   that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.

2.               Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.

3.               Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.

4.               You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.

5.               Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, "flavor" other items, or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.